Now that the world is (mostly) open again, our desire to experience more of it and in greater levels of comfort than ever before is fuelling a boom in luxury ocean and expedition cruising. Here is our guide to some of the best luxury options in those cruise categories to help you decide which one might be right for you.
It could be a post-pandemic thing, but there’s clearly a heartfelt yearning to escape the crowds, fulfill long-held dreams of travelling to unspoiled destinations, absorb different cultural experiences, and, depending on how adventurous you are, test your own physical, spiritual, and emotional limits.
The lines between ‘luxury’ and ‘expedition’ are blurring as traditional luxury cruise companies such as Silversea and Seabourn launch state-of-the-art expedition vessels that come with butlers and wellness programs as well as science labs. Viking, which boasts the world’s biggest river cruising fleet, is expanding its relatively recent ocean operations with two new expedition ships and, later in 2023, mega-mainstream company MSC Cruises will introduce a whole new brand, Explora Journeys. The first of its six 992-guest ships, Explora I, makes her maiden voyage in July and the focus is firmly on all-inclusive luxury cruising in environmentally friendly vessels.
Other cruise lines are sticking to tried and tested models. In the classic luxury arena, the recent revival of the much-loved Crystal ships by Abercrombie & Kent is being celebrated by past guests around the world, while the British cultural expedition line, Swan Hellenic, relaunched in 2020 and recently welcomed the arrival of its third new expedition ship, SH Diana.
Classic luxury ships, accommodating from about 300 to 900 guests, sail to hundreds of ports across the globe, many of which are inaccessible to mega-ships — but they don’t venture to more challenging destinations such as Antarctica and the far reaches of the Arctic, where ice-strengthened hulls are among the essential requirements. Ports, anchorages, and coastlines in many remote areas are simply unnavigable for any but the nimblest vessels, and, in protected places such as the Galapagos Islands, ships are restricted to a maximum passenger capacity of 100.
Expedition vessels accommodate from fewer than 100 (12 on Tasmania’s On Board Expeditions’ new Odalisque II) to about 300 guests. Zodiacs or runabouts transport you even closer to the action, and the latest ultra-luxe expedition ships are also equipped with helicopters and mini-submarines. Companies such as Australia’s renowned Coral Expeditions specialise in exploring tropical destinations in small, modern vessels that are extremely comfortable but not tricked out with high-tech toys — and if exploring New Zealand’s Subantarctic Islands is on your wish list (it should be), long-established NZ company Heritage Expeditions knows the region like nobody else.
Whether they are extremely high-end or more traditional in style, what expedition cruises have in common is a dedicated spirit of discovery. Teams of experts specialising in everything from anthropology to zoology are on hand to guide shore excursions, present briefings, and recaps, and join you at mealtimes for informal chats.
Fortunately, there’s a wide and wonderful world of choice for lovers of luxury ocean and expedition cruising — you just have to book well in advance.
Luxury Ocean Cruising
Cunard
Where
Cunard cruises worldwide, on itineraries ranging from two days to world voyages.
The fleet
Next year the line’s 249th ship, Queen Anne, will join Queen Mary 2, Queen Elizabeth and Queen Victoria.
Life on board
Guests in Queens and Princess Grill suites enjoy exclusive dining venues and 24/7 butler service, while formal evenings, afternoon tea in the Queens Room, English-style pubs and the classic Royal Court Theatre are open to all.
Signature experiences
Transatlantic crossings between Southampton and New York are made by Queen Mary 2, the world’s only true ocean liner. Themed event cruises feature the arts, food and wine, gardening and more.
Design, technology, sustainability
Cunard’s sustainability agenda supports the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
Our pick of upcoming itineraries
Queen Mary 2, 25-night Sydney to Singapore, departing February 27, 2024.
Regent Seven Seas Cruises
Where
RSSC cruises worldwide, including grand voyages (60+days) and world cruises.
The fleet
Seven Seas Grandeur joins Seven Seas Splendor, Explorer, Voyager, Mariner and Navigator in November 2023.
Life on board
Exceptionally spacious ships, a high crew-to-guest ratio, elegant interiors and al fresco spaces and world-class dining add up to an ultra-luxe cruise experience.
Signature experiences
Super-inclusive fares cover shore excursions at every port, free pre- and post-cruise land programs on a huge selection of itineraries, all specialty dining, drinks, gratuities and more.
Design, technology, sustainability
As part of the NCL Holdings group, RSSC is committed to pursuing net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 under the company’s global Sail & Sustain program.
Our pick of upcoming itineraries
Seven Seas Explorer, 11-night Tokyo round-trip, departing October 7, 2024.
Seabourn
Where
Seabourn cruises worldwide, including remote and polar regions on its expedition vessels.
The fleet
Seabourn Ovation, Encore, Quest, Sojourn, and Odyssey, plus new expedition ships, 2023’s Seabourn Pursuit and 2022’s Seabourn Venture.
Life on board
Renowned for its service, Seabourn’s contemporary, stylish ships offer all-suite accommodation (most with balconies), an open-bar policy, and superb dining in an intimate, private club-like atmosphere.
Signature experiences
Spa & Wellness with Dr. Andrew Weil, featuring an exclusive mindful living program; Seabourn Conversations with noted speakers from all walks of life.
Design, technology, sustainability
Seabourn is the official cruise partner of UNESCO, working with them to promote sustainable tourism at UNESCO World Heritage sites.
Our pick of upcoming itineraries
Seabourn Encore, 14-day Greek Isles and Turkey round-trip from Athens, departing May 2024.
Silversea Cruises
Where
Silversea cruises worldwide, including remote and polar regions on its expedition vessels.
The fleet
Silver Nova joins Silversea’s six ‘classic’ ships in August 2023, while Silver Endeavour is the fifth and newest member of the expedition fleet.
Life on board
Ships range in capacity from 51 to 364 suites and every suite has butler service. There are charges for dining at select specialty restaurants, but drinks and gratuities are included in the fare.
Signature experiences
Silversea’s comprehensive wellness program Otium launched on Silver Dawn and will feature on Silver Nova and Silver Ray. S.A.L.T., an immersive culinary concept, is available on Silver Moon, Dawn, and Nova.
Design, technology, sustainability
Silver Nova will be the first low-emissions luxury cruise ship to use advanced hybrid technology featuring fuel cells.
Our pick of upcoming itineraries
Silver Nova, 10 days from Monte Carlo to Barcelona, departing September 2023.
Oceania Cruises
Where
Oceania cruises worldwide, on itineraries ranging from seven days to world voyages.
The fleet In May 2023, the 1,200-guest Oceania Vista joins Oceania’s two 1,238-guest ships Marina and Riviera and four 650-guest ships Regatta, Insignia, Nautica and Sirena.
Life on board
All ships have recently been beautifully refurbished, and the onboard ambience is similar to that of a stylish boutique hotel.
Signature experiences
Oceania claims to serve the ‘finest cuisine at sea’ and the line introduced culinary classes at sea onboard Marina and Riviera. Ember and Aquamar Kitchen restaurants debut on Vista and Allura, along with a new Chef’s Studio.
Design, technology, sustainability
New Go Green tours focus on local conservation initiatives.
Our pick of upcoming itineraries
Oceania Vista, 10-day Caribbean round-trip from Miami, departing December 1, 2023.
Azamara
Where
Azamara cruises Worldwide, on itineraries ranging from seven nights to world voyages.
The fleet
Four 690-guest ships, Azamara Onward, Pursuit, Quest and Journey.
Life on board
All ships have undergone a recent revitalisation and fares include select soft and alcoholic drinks, gratuities and more. Six dining venues include two for-fee restaurants and there’s a new vegan and vegetarian menu.
Signature experiences
Azamara focuses on destination immersion and port-intensive itineraries. Every cruise includes an AzAmazing Evening, one-off cultural events exclusive to Azamara that are offered during late nights and overnights in port.
Design, technology, sustainability
The company is currently transitioning to being fully independent from the Royal Caribbean group and is refining its sustainability commitments.
Our pick of upcoming itineraries
Azamara Journey, 15-night port-intensive Perth to Melbourne, departing December 21, 2023.
Viking Ocean Cruises
Where
Viking cruises worldwide, including remote and polar regions on its expedition vessels.
The fleet
Since its debut in 2015, Viking has launched nine 930-guest ocean-going ships and in 2022 launched two expedition vessels, Viking Octantis and Viking Polaris.
Life on board
Each identical, spacious ship features a contemporary Scandinavian design, a private balcony in every stateroom, two pools, eight dining venues, a cooking school and a Nordic-inspired spa.
Signature experiences
A free excursion in every port reinforces Viking’s focus on destination immersion and cultural experiences.
Design, technology, sustainability
Viking ships are the first to have a closed-loop exhaust cleaning system designed so that pollutants can be removed and disposed of safely.
Our pick of upcoming itineraries
Viking Neptune, Stockholm to Bergen, 15 days, departing August 1, 2024.
Scenic Ocean Cruises
Where
Scenic Ocean cruises worldwide, including polar regions.
The fleet
Launched in 2019 and 2023, the 228-guest ‘Discovery Yachts’ Scenic Eclipse I and II take adventure cruising to new levels of luxury.
Life on board
All suites have balconies and butler service, and the ships boast 10 dining options, nine bars and lounges, and the lavish Senses Spa. All-inclusive fares cover everything from drinks and gratuities onboard and onshore, to a comprehensive choice of shore excursions.
Signature experiences
Explore even further with the ships’ two onboard helicopters and a six-person mini-submarine.
Design, technology, sustainability
Ships use low-sulphur fuel to reduce emissions, advanced wastewater treatment systems and GPS Dynamic Positioning to maintain location without dropping anchors onto sensitive seabeds.
Our pick of upcoming itineraries
Scenic Eclipse II, 25-day Mawson’s Hut & Commonwealth Bay, departing Queenstown, New Zealand December 15, 2024.
Aurora Expeditions
Where
Aurora cruises polar regions, NZ Subantarctic Islands, Northern Europe, Patagonia, Costa Rica, and Atlantic Islands.
The fleet
The 132-guest Greg Mortimer and Sylvia Earle set sail in 2019 and 2022.
Life on board
The ships feature a modern lecture lounge, multiple observation areas, zodiac launching platforms, a gym and wellness centre, and 85 per cent of cabins have a balcony.
Signature experiences
Whether you choose an expedition in Antarctica and the Arctic or discovery voyages in other destinations, Aurora offers a wealth of onshore activities, including trekking, rock climbing, and ski/snowboard tours.
Design, technology, sustainability
Aurora has been certified 100 per cent climate neutral as part of an active sustainability plan in partnership with the South Pole company.
Our pick of upcoming itineraries
Greg Mortimer, 15-day Costa Rica and the Panama Canal, departing April 2024.
Ponant
Where
Ponant cruises worldwide.
The fleet
Four 244-264-guest Sisterships, six 184-guest Explorers, 245-guest Le Commandant Charcot, 32-guest sailing ship Le Ponant, 332-guest Le Paul Gauguin.
Life on board
Bilingual French-English crew look after multi-national adventurers in super-stylish small ships that provide a private yacht ambience.
Signature experiences
Voyages include expeditions to polar, tropical, and sub-tropical regions, ‘culture and relaxation’ cruises in multiple destinations and themed cruises (based on lifestyle, geopolitics the planet and culture) in partnership with international experts.
Design, technology, sustainability
Ponant is the only international cruise company to be awarded Green Marine Europe certification and Le Commandant Charcot is the world’s first hybrid electric and LNG-powered luxury icebreaker.
Our pick of upcoming itineraries
Le Commandant Charcot, 24-night Northwest Passage from Iceland to Alaska, departing August 12, 2024.
Aqua Expeditions
Where
Aqua Expeditions cruises Eastern Indonesia, the Amazon and Mekong rivers, Galapagos Islands.
The fleet
Aqua Blu (Indonesia), Aqua Mekong (Vietnam and Cambodia), Aria Amazon and Aqua Nera (Peruvian Amazon), Aqua Mare (Galapagos).
Life on board
Boutique luxury ships accommodate a maximum of 40 guests (just 14 onboard Aqua Mare). Expect fine dining, personalised service and tailor-made excursions.
Signature experiences
Superlative snorkelling and diving in Indonesia, superyacht sailing in the Galapagos, and cultural exploration in all its destinations.
Design, technology, sustainability
Aqua is committed to reducing engine and energy emissions, sourcing environmentally friendly and ethically produced materials for its vessel design, innovative waste management and a fresh rainforest/farm-to-table approach.
Our pick of upcoming itineraries
Aqua Blu, 7-night Raja Ampat round-trip from Sorong Harbour, Southwest Papua, departing March 2, 2024.
Hurtigruten Expeditions
Where
Hurtigruten cruises 30 countries including Alaska, polar regions, Norway, South America and West Africa.
The fleet
Hurtigruten’s eight ships include the world’s first hybrid-powered cruise ships, MS Roald Amundsen and her sister MS Fridtjof Nansen.
Life on board
Guests enjoy an informal atmosphere, involvement in scientific projects and many included extras.
Signature experiences
To celebrate 130 years of exploration, Hurtigruten has introduced new Svalbard Express and North Cape Express itineraries, extending its traditional Coastal Express route on the fully refurbished MS Trollfjord.
Design, technology, sustainability
Hurtigruten stopped using heavy fuel oil more than a decade ago and was the first major travel company to remove single-use plastic from all its ships.
Our pick of upcoming itineraries
MS Trollfjord, 16-day North Cape Express, Oslo to Bergen, departing October 6, 2023.
Lindblad Expeditions
Where
Lindblad cruises worldwide.
The fleet
The latest addition to the 15-strong fleet is the 48-guest National Geographic Islander II, sailing the Galapagos Islands year-round. Sister ships National Geographic Resolution and National Geographic Endurance (128 guests) joined in 2021, with the highest ice-class rating of any expedition cruise ship.
Life on board
Each ship is individual and designed for the region where it cruises. All National Geographic-branded ships are owned by Lindblad, and the company charters other vessels, such as Delfin II in the Peruvian Amazon.
Signature experiences
The partnership between Lindblad and National Geographic means guests sail with world-renowned photographers, scientists and naturalists.
Design, technology, sustainability
Lindblad is a 100 per cent carbon-neutral company
Our pick of upcoming itineraries
National Geographic Islander II, 10 days Galapagos, departing Guayaquil, Ecuador on round trips year-round.
True North
Where
True North cruises The Kimberley, PNG, Indonesia and West Papua, Australian coast.
The fleet
The 36-guest True North and 22-guest True North II were purpose-built to explore coastal areas and shallow river systems.
Life on board
Small groups allow True North to offer a flexible range of activities every day and the enthusiastic, professional Australian crew are often cited as a reason why guests return so often.
Signature experiences
Personalised flights on the onboard helicopter are a major highlight but, like wine, beer and spirits, come at an extra cost.
Design, technology, sustainability
True North complies with requirements under the international MARPOL Convention to minimise and eventually eliminate pollution of the ocean.
Our pick of upcoming itineraries
True North, 10-day Kimberley Waterfalls, Broome to Kununurra, departing March 30, 2024.